The problem is, a hire brings their personalities with them to the job where it influences others. I can’t blame a prospective employer for wanting to know. Hiring an inappropriate candidate and then having to find a way to deal with that mistake can be hugely stressful and expensive. After all, if Joe Jobseeker doesn’t want anyone to learn about him, he shouldn’t publicize himself online. That’s his choice.
I’m not eager to give governments nor any other entities unfettered access into my private life, not at all. But it could be argued that effectively hiding behind online anonymity is disingenuous. I’m not saying that’s the case here (re: AP nor your comment) but personally I’d rather be honest and upfront, then let the chips fall as they may.
An added bonus is that when I consider it, it’s incentive to be careful (not that I always am, BTW). Plus, there’s a difference between forum / social media activity and true private matters. Or at least, there should be IMO.
Also I think the assumption of “pre-web” personal research being somehow more “pure” is naive. Nefarious motives are nothing new. Information accessibility is just an enabler for pre-existing intentions (a very effective enabler, no doubt).
But that’s mostly off-topic…